Cluster Help!!!! :(

[Retro_Boy_G]

Hey guys,

Finally got everything in for my dash facelift.. So i went out about 30mins ago and tried to install it all.. (which is quite a brave move for me).. I unscrewed everything and removed the main bit of dash around the dials to access the cluster.. which seemed quite easy even for me.. my only problem is the indicator and wiper wires are very short i have no idea how i am going to attach them again once i go to putting the dashboard back in.. anyways thats the last of my worries just now.. now comes the bit im stuck with.. i unscrewed the cluster and it started coming out and then STOP.. it will wiggle around abit but i think the wires for the speedo\'s are holding it in.. how the hell do i get into the back of it???.. There is no room at all for me to slip my hand down to see what it is that is holding it.. please could someone tell me what i am supposed to do now?.. i am scared to it in case i snap some important wires.. PLEASE HELP!!!

[danny_m94]

the wires should be long enough that you can et ya hand round the back to disconect them make sure all the screws are out there one down on the back right hand side rite underneath that isnt so obvious.
Have you taken the panels off around the steering column think i removed them when i had mine out

[Retro_Boy_G]

Hey Danny,

I\'m pretty sure i have removed every screw.. it comes quite far out and can wiggle around no bother.. the left hand side can come out quite abit.. but still not enough for me to get my hand in.. it doesn\'t feel like a screw holding it back.. its defo more wires as it has a bit of a give..

And yes everything around the steering wheel and speedos has been removed.

[danny_m94]

hmmmm im nopt sure then
can ya look through the windscreen and try c that how i got the wires off stick my hand round the corner n look in the window

[Retro_Boy_G]

I will go out right now and take some pictures which might help a little.. be back in 10!

[danny_m94]

good plan..........

[Retro_Boy_G]

Make that about an hour.. my mate is coming over to show me his new lights on his car and hopefully me and him will work it out.. regardless if we do or dont ill get some pics up.

[L18M]

the thing that prevents the cluster comming out more.. for me, was the speedo cable. if u pop the hood up and follow the speedo cable. just unclip it out nr the engine so the cable can be pushed into the cabin od the car. this for me allowed me to pull the cluster out so can fit hand in to unclip the elec cables.
 
hope u get what i mean. if nt let me kno n i try explain better

[Prof]

I did this when I put my white dials in  -
 
http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26791&highlight=dials
 
Basically - depending on whether you have an auto box or manual box, there are either 2 (manual) or 3 (auto) round connectors that pull off the back of the cluster pcb, and then when you\'ve got them off, the last thing is the speedo cable - it\'s a single plastic clip that holds it in place, but be careful once it\'s off - it will quite happily go shooting down under the steering wheel and will be a bugger to get back up there again
 
If you\'ve removed the 4 screws that hold the instrument panel in place, then you can gently pull the left side out until you can get your hand in there - you will get scratched to buggery - as the pcb has a whole load of sharp wire ends sticking out
 
Work your way along the back of the cluster removing the 2 or 3 eletrical clusters - you will have more room to get in to the speedo cable once it\'s done.
 
When you\'re putting it back, do cluster first - starting with speedo - and make sure it\'s clipped home - or it won\'t work.  Plugs will only go in one way so that\'s no problem.  Then when you\'re ready to put the switch cowel back on, start by dropping the steering wheel, then connect the cruise control and wiper switch first, then the 2 side switches and offer it up.  You should be able to juggle it over the steering column cowel, but to be honest I usually take it off and it\'s also easier to pop the wheel off as well.

[pdtaylor18]

Could not have said that better myself.  You will get scratched so be prepared and I do second the notion of giving some slack by unclipping the speedo cable, that alone will make the job 100 times easier when it comes to re-fitting it.  Make sure that speedo is on correctly as it will all have to come off again to push it back on.

[Retro_Boy_G]

Just tried again.. Thanks for both of you guys help.. I will give them both a try tomorrow.. I tried it more the way Prof explained it but just couldn\'t unplug the circular cable.. is it superglued on or am i just a total pussy? It actually hurts like hell trying to squeeze your hand in there.. my hand is scratched to buggery.. Once i get it off though.. how the hell do i get them back on with such little room to work with? haha.. this all better be worth it!

After seeing Profs "how to" thread i now really really want white dials.. i actually have a set here but they are for a turbo and wont work for my car.. the speedo will be out and i don\'t have a boost.. i think its only volts?..  any suggestions or know of anyone who will do a standard FC dails?

If you could tell me the best way to get that circular plug off that would be great.. i don\'t think i tried to squeeze it..

I\'ve taken some pictures so i might as well post them now! haha..

[pdtaylor18]

Ebay for the dials and especially for your type of cluster with the 1/4 circle job. As a matter of interest are the white ones you have round or the same as whats in the pics above. Might be interested if they are round. I also have a heater control panel with white dial face but it will not go with my look for the project car.

[Retro_Boy_G]

The dials i bought are pictured at the bottom.

I have any idea but its a bit of a long shot.. Can you take the dials right out?.. As i\'m thinking i could remove them and scan them into a computer and modify them myself. I am going to have another bash at removing it tonight.. My wrist is all cut this morning.. people will think im a self harmer!..hehe. I will let you know how i get on with the cluster.. if anyone could tell me how to remove the circular plug that would be awesome!

[L18M]

as mentioned previously, if you unclip the speedo cable and push some of the cable into the cabin then the cluster will come out a lot more.
think best to un-hook the speeedo cable 1st then the cluster will come out lots more.
the other plugs are really hard to get out.

[Retro_Boy_G]

I\'ve honestly tugged on the circular one sooo much.. it wont budge.. But i\'ll keep trying.. I can\'t get my hand in far enough to unhook it.. my finger tips reach the circular plug and thats it.. need someone with smaller hands and alot of strength i think.. :yes